The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is set to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various clearing agent associations to streamline business operations.
This development follows a recent meeting between Abel Kagumire, the Commissioner of Customs, and the leaders of several clearing and forwarding associations, where they discussed this initiative.
Currently, Uganda has three registered clearing agent associations: the Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA), the Federation of Uganda Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders (FUCAFF), and the Uganda Freight Forwarders Association (UFA). Each of these associations operates independently from the URA.
While the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) acknowledges the role of clearing agents in tax administration, it does not recognize the associations themselves, highlighting the need for a formal MoU.
“Our past engagements have been informal, relying heavily on institutional memory to collaborate. However, with URA’s new direction, it is good governance to formalize this relationship, and the MoU provides this structure,” explained Alfred Okoya, the Manager of Legal and Bonds.
Charles Ecweru, the Director General of FUCAFF, welcomed the idea of the MoU, emphasizing that it will recognize and align the associations. “This is the beginning of a process larger than we realize. It will provide a protocol—a guiding principle—for our working relationship with the tax administration,” he noted.
During the meeting, Kagumire encouraged the clearing agents to participate in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training facilitated by URA to enhance their roles in the supply chain. “Many of our processes are now automated, and we are facing issues with the declarations and responses from the clearing agents. Therefore, we need you to encourage your members to join the training,” he said.
He further stressed that the training is essential as it includes modules on both customs and domestic taxes.
Brenda Wenene, the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Trade, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of CPD training for clearing agents. She noted that the current competency tests, conducted online, are insufficient for assessing their capabilities.
“We need continuous training to update your skills. When it comes to licensing, we will consider the knowledge gained and capabilities demonstrated. This will help us qualify clearing agents to work with our systems,” she stated.
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